Entertainment

Reel-ality TV Talk

Published

8 years ago

April 6, 2015

By Marquesa LaDawn
NNPA Columnist

It’s hard to believe the RH franchise was created based on the ABC show “Desperate Housewives.” I have to admit, I didn’t really tune in until the third or fourth season and when I did, I was hooked.

Why?

The realness, shock factor, over the top living, the “no she didn’t moments.” The viewers got to see if the grass is greener without leaving their lawn. Since becoming an addicted fan, I realize that there’s no perfect life. In fact, life can be complicated for all, even those with unlimited wealth. It’s not just about the money and lifestyles, but relationships and temperament.

Nowhere was that more evident than the Atlanta version. The RHOA’s girls are loving the Philippines, and my girl Claudia is killin’ it as the host of this soirée. From Day 1 of the trip, she felt a need to protect Phaedra, which translated to the best room and private time.

Smart strategy, I have to say. It got Phaedra to open up, which never happens. Heck, before the episode ended, Kenya was granted “let’s talk it out” time by Phaedra. I’m thinking we will see a softer side of her. Before I hand out too many compliments, I need to note the “thumbs down” moments:

• Nene bailed and didn’t go on the trip. No surprise here.
• Cynthia tried to mend fences with Phaedra, but was shot down with a deep stare.
• We still do not know Demetria – I loved her in the Tyler Perry sitcom, ‘House of Payne,” but she’s mostly invisible on the show.

A really amusing moment, from fellow “food lover” Kandi. Trying out yoga for the first time, she fell a sleep and started snoring in the class. Too funny!

Back to no-show Nene, she has her own show again, this time with Kim Zolciak. I did not see this one coming. Still, a brilliant move by Bravo! I think the other housewives can do without NeNe and still keep us hooked.

Speaking of being hooked, the RH Franchise is famous for their reunions. The bombastic Real Housewives of Beverly Hills reunion was no exception.

First things first, Yolanda looked beautiful, but seemed out of sorts and needed to depart early. But, before she left she did her “I’m loyal to Brandi” talk. This bothered me once upon a time, but now I kinda like it. We all need a die-hard friend, no matter how bad we are.

That being said, Lisa V. and Kyle had guns blazing, poised to tell the truth about Brandi. Poor Andy, the flamboyant host was even attacked by lady B. Again, although Brandi is a pain and makes really stupid choices, no one wants to be attacked. Of course, her new BFF Kimberly Richards was eager to defend.

Kim is still flustered and believes the ladies ruined her reputation. The fact that she took pills and acted like she was under the influence on air is not her fault –or so she thinks. You would think she would have engaged in some self-reflection as the season played out, but she didn’t. It’s the same old, “it’s everybody else’s fault” Kim.

I’m still happy about the new Kyle this season, she was really into sharing her feelings and telling it like it is. During the reunion she did not disappoint. I totally lost it when Kyle mentioned that Brandi walks around with the string of her tampon showing. Brandi retorted that at least she still has a period, Ms. Menopause. Yes, she did.

The other housewives where not silent bystanders at the reunion. Lisa R., though soft spoken, participated. Of course, Kim was ready to attack. They actually tried to compare Lisa R. being thin (possible Anorexia) with Kim’s drug issues. We all know Lisa R. has always been thin – it’s her frame. I think, Kim is jealous that Lisa R. has a real TV career. Heck, the woman just earned a high seven-figure check for her depend commercials!

Before I close, I have a news flash on The Real Housewives of New Jersey’s Teresa Giudice. Teresa and her family seem to be adjusting to her new life behind bars. But, there’s a hole with Teresa away that 6-hour family visits can’t fill. Emails to and from her daughters along with nightly phone conversations fill a small part of the void. I’m impressed that the lady that once said, “I refuse to live in a used house,” is existing with great focus in the Big House.

Marquesa LaDawn is a professional businesswoman who escapes the pressures of living in New York City by retreating into the real world of reality TV. Follow me on twitter @realityshowgirl and subscribe to her podcast at www.RealitytvGirl.com.

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Activism

Big Picture Living Day

Through their global network of nearly 300 schools, Big Picture Learning activates their core initiatives by encouraging 6 healthy habits of proper nutrition, movement, healthy relationships, managing stress, adequate sleep and avoiding substances of risks.

Published

2 days ago

June 2, 2023

Oakland Post

By Carla Thomas

On Friday, June 2 Big Picture Lving Day will be celebrated with a series of virtual events designed to improve the life of participants. Through a virtual network of schools and organizations the event will feature speakers on health, wellness, mindfulness, exercise, and overcoming challenges.

Participants will practice Yoga & Mindfulness with Dawn M. Rivers.

Dr. Marsha-Gail Davis will discuss lifestyle medicine and healthy practices, and BPL alumni former advisor Chef Bree reunites with former principal Danique “Dr. DD” Dolly and a few of their former students will discuss health and lifestyle changes.

Big Picture Learning Day was created by

Big Picture Learning, an organization of progressive learning concepts centered around the belief that all students can and should live lives of their own design, supported by caring mentors and equitable opportunities to achieve their greatest potential.

Co-founded by Elliott Washor a veteran educational leader in Rhode Island, BPL grew out of a passion for students and improving the concept of learning.

“We just had this fierce desire to evolve our educational system to one that puts students at the center of their own learning with mentors, time immersed in the community and not evaluated solely on standardized tests,” said Washor.

“The entire Big Picture Learning experience is personalized to each student’s interests, talents and needs beyond mere academic work and involves looking at each student holistically.”

Former BPL principal, Danique Dolly says, “There are youth and adults in schools and organizations throughout the nation practicing the 6 healthy habits and speaking up on it. People have created rooms and spaces that focus on relaxation and meditation. Many adults and youth are taking steps towards wellness, a total lifestyle change and health and wellness are a part of students learning goals just as English and math are.”

“With BPLiving Day we invite all to get up, get out and get living and to do something around health and wellness,” said Dolly.

For students Jasmine Poirier and Angel Feliz and educator Andrew Coburn BPL has been life changing.

“Through collaborative physical movement, nutrition education and eating healthy together and various group activities for relaxation and mental health support, many are finding ways to live healthier and happier,” said Colburn. “For Big Picture Living Day we’re celebrating lifelong healthy habits for teens and the communities around them. BPL Day is a celebration of all the progress we have made.”

“Whether it is in my school campus or through a zoom call with people all across the world, BPLiving has an ability to bring people together to share wellness habits with each other,” said Feliz.

“Through spreading the principles of BPLiving into the everyday academic learning of my peers, I have seen them improve the quality of their lives physically, mentally and emotionally,” said Poirier. “By reestablishing sports culture with school-wide volleyball and capture the flag tournaments, students have been able to connect with each other across different grade levels, become more physically active and take a break from our everyday learning.”

In Oakland at MetWest, a BPL school in Oakland, the garden is run by parents and students. The garden serves as the foundation for nutritional learning and generational collaboration.

Today, Big Picture Learning network schools can be found in over 80 schools in 28 states, and hundreds more around the world.

For more information visit BigPicture.org

Activism

Oakland Post: Week of May 31 = June 6, 2023

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of May 31 = June 6, 2023

Published

2 days ago

June 2, 2023

Oakland Post

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of May 31 = June 6, 2023

To enlarge your view of this issue, use the slider, magnifying glass icon or full page icon in the lower right corner of the browser window.

Bay Area

UniverSoul Circus Opens in Richmond

Described by show organizers as a highly interactive combination of circus arts and theatre that spans musical genres, UniverSoul Circus will feature flipping motorcycles, stilt dancers, Fire Limbo Benders, ancestral carnival characters, clowns, flamboyantly costumed dancers and more “in a celebration of energy.”

Published

6 days ago

May 29, 2023

Oakland Post

Clowns who perform with UniverSoul Circus. Photo courtesy UniverSoul Circus.

By Kathy Chouteau | The Richmond Standard

UniverSoul Circus kicked off its Bay Area run under the Big Top at Hilltop Mall last week with the performances continuing during various times through Sun., June 19.

The UniverSoul Circus is a single ring circus, established in 1994 by Cedric Walker and Calvin “Casual Cal” Dupree, an African American man who had a vision of creating a circus with a large percentage of people of color performing. He began searching for people from all around the world with incredible talents. Richmond police Chief Bisa French and City Manager Shasa Curl were set to be guest ringmasters for the opening night show.

“Get ready to be amazed and frightened at the terrifying, gravity- defying acrobats on the Wheel of Death or the bold, breathtaking daredevils on the High Wire,” said UniverSoul Circus in a statement about the show.

This season’s theme is, ‘We All Belong,’ according Walker, the circus founder and CEO. “We all belong to one human race. Everyone is coming together, different cultures, different people, a new transcultural fusion, a new generation inclusive and together in a UniverSoul Experience!”

Venue:
Hilltop Mall
2200 Hilltop Mall Rd, Richmond, CA 94806

Showtimes:
Thurs-Fri: 7:00 p.m.
Sat: 11:30 a.m., 3:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m.
Sun: 11:00 a.m., 2:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m.

Box Office Hours:
Tues: 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Wed-Fri: 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Sat: 9:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Sun: 9:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Mon: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Memorial Day)

Tickets range from $27.50 to $60 depending on your seat and you can purchase them on Ticketmaster. Visit www.universoulcircus.com for more info.